Carl Akeley’s Africa

Carl Akeley’s Africa by Mary L. Jobe Akeley is a compelling firsthand account of the Akeley-Eastman-Pomeroy African Hall Expedition, undertaken for the American Museum of Natural History in the mid-1920s.

Mary L. Jobe Akeley, an accomplished explorer and naturalist, embarked on this expedition with her husband, Carl Akeley, a renowned taxidermist and conservationist. Tragically, Carl Akeley passed away during the journey in the Congo. Undeterred, Mary assumed leadership of the expedition, continuing their mission to study and document African wildlife and cultures.

The book delves into the challenges of fieldwork in remote regions, encounters with diverse wildlife, and interactions with local communities. It also highlights Carl Akeley’s evolving perspective on conservation, particularly his advocacy for the protection of mountain gorillas in the Virunga region.

With 321 pages of detailed observations and over 100 black-and-white photographs, Carl Akeley’s Africa serves as both a tribute to Carl Akeley’s legacy and a testament to Mary Akeley’s determination and contributions to science and conservation.

This work stands as a significant piece of literature for those interested in early 20th-century exploration, natural history, and the foundations of wildlife conservation.